5
Strong Enterprises owner’s manual. Para-Cushion model 311 Wedge
11236 Satellite Blvd. Orlando, FL 32837 Tel.: (407) 859-9317 Fax: (407) 850-6978
www.strongparachutes.com
straps, stand at attention, adjust the main lift webs so that both sides are even and they are tight
just enough so you have barely enough room to stand upright. This will fit tight when standing up,
but you should find it comfortable when seated. Resist the urge to excessively tighten the harness
while seated this could restrict your escape from the cockpit. The back straps, if adjustable, should
be the same length as the distance between the container and your lower back while you are stand-
ing upright.
Fully Adjustable Harness
- The fully adjustable harness allows you to easily fit your harness. To
properly adjust this harness, first loosen all adjustment points all the way out. Then put on the para-
chute as explained above being sure to fit the leg straps snugly. Then stand at attention and take up
the slack in the main lift web (vertical straps) by pulling on the harness ends located just above the
leg pads. This should pull the straps down snug over your shoulders. Next adjust the horizontal back
strap (located behind you at the leg junction) to just come in contact with your back. This strap need
not be tight for a comfortable fit. Finally snap and adjust the chest strap, fold and stow the webbing
ends in the elastic keepers. Be sure the ripcord handle snug in the pocket and is accessible.
Aerobatic Harness -
The Aerobatic, or two point harness moves the snaps normally located on the
leg, to the middle of the chest, thereby preventing interference with your seat belt. To properly don
this harness loosen the two adjusters all the way out, next slip your arms through the main lift webs
(the vertical straps in front), much like putting on a jacket, then reach between your legs, pick up
the right leg strap, untwist if necessary and thread the right strap through the loop located on the
right main lift web at the leg junction taking care not twist the strap. Next, snap it in place at the
chest on the opposite (Left) main lift web. Repeat the process for the left strap. The straps should
be adjusted not so tight that it restricts your ability to stand upright. Resist the urge to overtighten
the straps once you are seated. Fold and stow the webbing ends in the elastic keepers. Be sure the
ripcord handle snug in the pocket and is accessible.
1.12 Plan Ahead
Know and rehearse your emergency procedures before they are needed to reduce your decision mak-
ing time. With the parachute on, sit in your cockpit and fasten your lap and shoulder belts. Be
certain these are over your parachute harness. Wear gloves, helmet and goggles, even headphones
if you normally use them. Mentally organize your bailout procedure. Inspect your cockpit for projec-
tions or sharp edges that may damage the parachute, or injure you. Consider canopy ejection, oxy-
gen disconnect, or other requirements that you may be faced with. All these things take time, and an
emergency leaves you little time for rehearsal. Generally, you are better off staying with the ship if
its controllable, but the time you spend evaluating that, reduces your margin of safety, and in some
cases the condition can get worse. Make your decision quickly because all these actions consume
altitude.
1.13 how to get out of the airplane
It boils down to two things: Get clear of the aircraft, then pull your ripcord. In that order. If the
parachute begins to open while you’re still aboard, the wind may inflate it, dragging you out, or into
the tail. Also, it may entangle with the aircraft. There are no other hard or fast rules—the craft may
be tumbling, spinning, or inverted. Simply get yourself out any way you can. Unless you’re above
15,000 feet, pull your ripcord to open your parachute immediately, once you’re clear. There is enough
oxygen to breath, and you’ll be descending into more dense air all the time, plus it gives observers
an opportunity to get a fix on your position.